Unraveling the Mystery of Fever: Types and Underlying Causes

Fever, characterised by an elevated body temperature, is a common symptom that accompanies various illnesses. It serves as a vital defense mechanism, indicating that the body is fighting off an infection or other underlying conditions. In this blog post, we will explore different types of fever and delve into the diverse causes that can trigger this physiological response in our bodies.

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Types of Fever:

a. Low-Grade Fever: Low-grade fever refers to a slight increase in body temperature, typically ranging between 99°F (37.2°C) and 100.9°F (38.3°C). It often occurs with mild infections, such as the common cold or flu, and can also result from inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. b. Acute Fever: Acute fever is characterized by a sudden onset and a relatively short duration. It usually lasts for a few days to a week and can be caused by a wide range of infections, including respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, or gastroenteritis. c. Prolonged or Persistent Fever: Prolonged or persistent fever refers to a fever that lasts longer than usual, typically exceeding one to two weeks. This type of fever can be indicative of underlying conditions such as tuberculosis, HIV, certain types of cancers, or autoimmune disorders. d. Recurrent Fever: Recurrent fever is characterised by episodes of fever that occur periodically, with symptom-free intervals in between. This pattern is commonly seen in conditions like malaria, dengue fever, or systemic auto inflammatory disorders.

1. Underlying Causes of Fever:

a. Infections: Infections are the most common cause of fever. Bacterial infections, such as strep throat, urinary tract infections, or pneumonia, can trigger a fever response. Viral infections, including the common cold, influenza, or viral gastroenteritis, can also lead to fever. Additionally, fungal and parasitic infections can cause fever in certain cases. b. Inflammatory Conditions: Various inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or inflammatory bowel disease, can cause fever as part of their symptomatology. These conditions involve an overactive immune response, leading to systemic inflammation and elevated body temperature. c. Medications and Vaccinations: Certain medications, particularly those containing antibiotics, can cause drug-induced fever as an adverse reaction. Additionally, some vaccines, such as the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine, may trigger a low-grade fever as a normal immune response. d. Tumors and Cancers: Some tumors and cancers, including lymphomas, leukemias, or metastatic cancers, can lead to fever. Fever associated with malignancies is often termed as "neoplastic fever" and is believed to result from the body's immune response to tumor growth. e. Autoimmune Disorders: Autoimmune disorders, like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis, or vasculitis, can cause chronic or recurrent fever due to the body's immune system mistakenly attacking healthy tissues. f. Other Causes: Fever can also be caused by non-infectious factors, such as heatstroke, reactions to certain allergens, hormonal imbalances, or rare genetic disorders like familial Mediterranean fever. Conclusion: Fever serves as a crucial indicator of an underlying health condition, signalling that our body is actively combating an infection, inflammation, or other physiological disturbances. Understanding the different types of fever and their potential causes can help healthcare professionals diagnose and treat the underlying conditions effectively. If you or a loved one experience persistent or recurrent fever, it is important to seek medical attention to determine the cause and initiate appropriate